Chocolate Orange from Valencia: brown skin, very sweet and low in acidity
Chocolate Orange: a Valencian orange with brown skin and an exceptionally sweet taste
At Quiero Naranjas we work with a wide selection of special citrus varieties, including classic sweet oranges, red oranges and other unique varieties. You can discover all our organic orange varieties here:
Among them is one of the most curious and surprising varieties: the Chocolate Orange.
What is the Chocolate Orange?
The Chocolate Orange belongs to the Navel group and originates from the Valencia region. Its most distinctive feature is its brown-green skin, which is a natural and characteristic trait of this variety.
The name refers exclusively to the colour of the peel and not to the flavour. It is a natural mutation grown in small quantities, making it a rare orange with a limited seasonal availability.
An unusual skin, excellent quality
At first glance, the Chocolate Orange may look unusual due to its darker skin. However, it is important to clarify the following:
The brown colour is typical of the variety and does not indicate that the fruit is unripe or spoiled. Inside, it has a bright orange, juicy pulp of excellent quality.
This explanation helps to properly understand and appreciate this special variety.
Very sweet and low in acidity
The Chocolate Orange stands out for its high natural sweetness and very low acidity. This results in a mild, balanced and pleasant flavour.
It is ideal for fresh consumption, especially for people sensitive to acidity or for those looking for a sweet and easy-to-eat orange.
Short season and limited production
The Chocolate Orange is usually harvested between December and January, although this may vary slightly depending on the season. Due to its limited production, it is available only for a short period and is considered a gourmet orange.
Organic Chocolate Oranges from Quiero Naranjas
At Quiero Naranjas we grow this variety following the principles of organic farming, respecting the natural rhythm of the trees, the soil and the environment, without using synthetic chemical treatments.
If you would like to learn more about this variety or purchase it directly, you can find it here:
Bitter Oranges: What They Are, How They Are Used and Why They Are the Base of English Marmalade
What are bitter oranges?
The bitter orange is a traditional citrus fruit from the Mediterranean region, clearly different from the sweet oranges commonly eaten fresh or used for juice. Its flavour is much more intense and distinctly bitter, especially in the peel and the white inner layer.
For this reason, bitter oranges are not usually eaten fresh, but they have been valued for centuries for culinary uses such as marmalades, preserves and the use of their aromatic peel.
An old variety, not an ornamental one
It is important to point out that these bitter oranges are not the typical ornamental varieties produced today by many nurseries for gardens, parks or urban areas in Mediterranean climates.
Our bitter oranges come from old trees that have been growing in our orchards for decades. They are traditional agricultural varieties that were cultivated when bitter oranges had a real purpose in the kitchen, especially for making marmalade.
Why bitter oranges are ideal for marmalade
Bitter oranges are especially appreciated for marmalade because almost the whole fruit can be used. The peel and the white inner layer provide the characteristic bitter and aromatic flavour.
They also contain a naturally high level of pectin, which helps the marmalade set properly without the need for artificial gelling agents. For this reason, bitter oranges are still considered the classic fruit for traditional orange marmalade.
The origin of the term “English marmalade”
What is commonly known today as English marmalade actually has its origins in the Mediterranean. For centuries, ships from England loaded bitter oranges in ports in southern Spain, especially in Seville and other Mediterranean areas.
These oranges were taken to England, where the famous “Seville orange marmalade” became popular. Over time, the name English marmalade remained, even though the fruit traditionally came from the Mediterranean.
Why we sell bitter oranges only at this time of year
In our orchards, we still preserve a small number of old trees that produce bitter oranges. This variety is rarely planted nowadays, which means that production is naturally limited.
For this reason, we offer bitter oranges only during their short season, selling them directly from the farmer and respecting the natural rhythm of the trees.
How to use bitter oranges at home
Bitter oranges are mainly used for:
Traditional orange marmalade and preserves.
Candied orange peel for baking.
Adding aroma to desserts and homemade recipes.
On our website, you can buy fresh bitter oranges directly from the grower, as well as our traditionally made orange marmalade. You can also explore our full range of products in the marmalade category.
Limited production and direct sale
The production of bitter oranges is limited and depends entirely on these old trees that still grow in our orchards. As a result, they are available only for a short period each year.
Why Organic Mandarins Have Seeds and Small Spots on the Skin | QuieroNaranjas
Why Organic Mandarins Have Seeds and Small Spots on the Skin
If you have ever opened one of our organic mandarins and found a seed, or noticed small dark spots on the skin, you may wonder why this happens. The answer is simple and beautiful: it is pure nature.
Seeds appear because of a natural process called cross-pollination. Bees and other pollinators carry pollen from one citrus variety to another while visiting the flowers. This is especially common in hybrid varieties such as Clemenvilla, Ortanique, and other late mandarins.
In organic farming, bees are not removed — they are protected and encouraged. They are essential for fruit set, biodiversity, and the overall health of the orchard. Because of this, fruit develops in a more natural way, and sometimes that means seeds appear.
In conventional farming, seeds are often avoided by removing beehives, using chemical products, or controlling flowering, in order to obtain visually perfect fruit — often at the expense of the natural ecosystem.
Why do we let bees work at QuieroNaranjas?
Because without bees, there is no living orchard. We prefer a field full of flowers, beneficial insects and pollinators — even if that means some mandarins contain seeds.
The same bees that pollinate our trees also allow us to offer something very special: natural honey from our own beehives, produced in the same environment where our mandarins grow.
If you would like to taste mandarins grown this way, you can find them here: buy organic mandarins.
Why do some mandarins have small black spots or marks on the skin?
These small spots or marks are caused by natural factors such as morning dew, humidity, rain, and natural microorganisms from the orchard. They are only on the skin and have no effect on the inside of the fruit.
In conventional agriculture, these marks are prevented by using fungicides and chemical treatments to keep the skin looking perfect. In organic farming, the skin is not sterilized, which keeps the fruit alive, natural and authentic.
Are mandarins with spots still good inside?
Yes. Even if the skin has small marks, the inside is juicy, fresh and full of flavor. These spots are simply a sign that the fruit has grown outdoors, with moisture, wind and natural life around it.
If you are looking for a box of freshly harvested mandarins, you can find it here: organic mandarin box.
Which is better: a perfect mandarin or a natural one?
A visually perfect mandarin has usually been treated with fungicides, waxes, preservatives, and storage treatments. A natural organic mandarin may have seeds, small spots or imperfections — but it has something far more important: real taste, juice, aroma and life.
QuieroNaranjas: real fruit, not supermarket display fruit
When you choose organic mandarins from QuieroNaranjas, you are not choosing supermarket fruit. You are choosing fruit grown without chemicals, with bees, with biodiversity, and with respect for nature. It may not look perfect on the outside — but it is exactly how real fruit should be.
Sanguinelli Blood Orange Organic from Valencia: why it is red, its benefits and a century-old history
Sanguinelli Organic a traditional orange variety from Valencia, known for its natural red color, distinctive flavor and a cultivation history that goes back more than 100 years. From the outside it may look like a regular orange, but once opened it reveals its most striking feature: an intense reddish flesh, the result of a natural process that is uncommon in oranges.
This color is not just a visual curiosity; it is linked to natural antioxidant pigments that have attracted considerable interest in both nutrition and scientific research.
In Valencia, this orange has something even more valuable: history. In our case, my grandfather was already growing Sanguinelli oranges more than 100 years ago in the area of Alzira, and our family has continued to preserve this traditional variety ever since. Quieronaranjas.com
Why is the Sanguinelli blood orange naturally red inside?
The red color of the Sanguinelli is mainly due to anthocyanins, natural pigments that are also responsible for the color of fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and red grapes.
What makes it special:
Anthocyanins are very rare in citrus fruits
They develop best with cool nights combined with mild daytime temperatures
For this reason:
Not every harvest shows the same intensity of red
Not all growing areas are suitable for high-quality blood oranges
The color can vary even within the same season
This is a completely natural process of the fruit, not a dye or any kind of manipulation.
What are anthocyanins and why are they so interesting?
Anthocyanins are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. In the human body they are studied for their ability to:
Help counteract oxidative stress
Support vascular health
Modulate inflammatory processes
Interact with the gut microbiota
In the Sanguinelli orange, these anthocyanins are combined with vitamin C and citrus-specific flavonoids, resulting in a particularly balanced natural nutritional profile.
What benefits does the Sanguinelli blood orange offer?
As part of a balanced diet, regular consumption of Sanguinelli blood oranges may contribute to:
Natural antioxidant support thanks to vitamin C and anthocyanins
Support for cardiovascular health
Contribution to a healthy inflammatory balance
Positive interaction with the gut microbiota
All of this comes in the form of fresh fruit, without artificial additives.
Is it different from a regular orange?
All oranges are healthy, but the Sanguinelli stands out because it:
Provides a greater variety of natural plant compounds
Contains pigments that are not usually found in most oranges
Has a broader antioxidant profile
For this reason, it is highly appreciated by those looking for something different, both in taste and nutritional value.
Why is the Sanguinelli a limited-production orange?
The Sanguinelli is not an orange intended for mass production. Its cultivation has several particular characteristics:
It requires specific climatic conditions to develop its color properly
The fruits are usually not very large
Yields are more moderate
The season is short
Over time, many farms stopped growing it because the market demanded large sizes and uniformity. Not because it was inferior, but because it was not the most commercial variety.
A blood orange with more than 100 years of family history
In the Alzira area, Sanguinelli oranges have been grown for generations. In our family, this tradition goes back more than a century, when this orange was a common sight in Valencian orchards.
While many growers abandoned it, we made a conscious decision to continue cultivating this traditional variety, respecting both the land and its heritage.
A unique mountain-growing environment
Our Sanguinelli oranges are grown in a field nestled in a mountain valley, surrounded by pine trees and rosemary. The land is terraced, like old agricultural steps, with each row of trees forming a level.
To bring the harvest down from the upper part of the field, we use an unusual system: a rail-like track along which a small electric cart carries the wooden crates filled with oranges. It is our way of adapting to the landscape while preserving this special growing area. Quieronaranjas.com
What does the Sanguinelli blood orange taste like?
Its flavor is one of its greatest strengths. It is characterized by:
Balanced sweetness
Mild acidity
Subtle notes reminiscent of red berries
A more complex aroma than many standard orange varieties
For this reason, it is highly appreciated both for fresh consumption and for making natural red-orange juice with an intense, aromatic flavor.
When is it in season?
The Sanguinelli is a winter orange, usually available from January to early spring, depending on the season.
Its short season is precisely what makes it special: it is harvested at its optimal point, production is not forced, and it is not available all year round. When it’s over, it’s over.
Where can you find authentic Sanguinelli blood oranges from Valencia?
If you would like to try an authentic Sanguinelli blood orange from Valencia, grown in a mountain environment and harvested at its optimal ripeness, you can find it here.
A blood orange with character, history and flavor
The Sanguinelli is not a trend or a recent novelty. It is a traditional Valencian orange, with history, personality and a flavor that truly sets it apart.
Continuing to grow it today is a way of keeping a family tradition alive and offering an orange that remains faithful to its origins. Quieronaranjas.com
Organic Kumquat: how it’s grown, why choose it, and where to buy it
🍊 Organic Kumquat: the small citrus fruit you eat whole
The kumquat is a very special citrus fruit, clearly different from oranges or mandarins. Unlike most citrus fruits, the kumquat is eaten whole, with its peel, and this is exactly where much of its charm and uniqueness lies.
The peel is aromatic and slightly sweet, while the inside is fresh and pleasantly acidic. This natural contrast creates a balanced, surprising and very enjoyable flavour in every bite.
Why choose organic kumquat
When it comes to a fruit that is eaten with its peel, like the kumquat, choosing organic is especially important.
Organic kumquats are grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical treatments, allowing you to enjoy the peel with complete peace of mind, while preserving its vitamins, fibre and natural plant compounds just as nature intended.
Choosing organic kumquat means:
enjoying the whole fruit, including the peel
avoiding unnecessary chemical residues
appreciating its natural aroma and flavour
supporting more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming
A small citrus fruit with great qualities
Because it is eaten whole, kumquat provides natural fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants typical of citrus fruits, making it an interesting option within a balanced and varied diet.
It is also a light, aromatic and easy-to-eat fruit, perfect for those looking for natural flavours and something different from the usual.
A unique feature: late flowering
One of the most interesting curiosities of the kumquat is its late flowering, which clearly sets it apart from other citrus fruits.
While orange trees usually flower in March, kumquat trees begin flowering much later, in June and July. For this reason, harvesting does not start until the end of December.
In addition, kumquat flowering occurs in a staggered way, which means that fruit ripening is also gradual. During the season, we harvest first the fruits that flowered earliest, as they reach their optimal ripeness sooner.
Thanks to this natural process, and as long as conditions allow, it is possible to enjoy kumquat harvests for several months, sometimes extending until June.
From a single tree at home to growing demand
In our case, kumquat cultivation started very modestly. At first, we only had one tree for family consumption.
Over time, customers began to show interest in this unique citrus fruit. In response to this demand, we gradually planted more trees, always respecting the natural rhythm of the crop.
Kumquat trees have a slow growth rate, partly because they are very productive and invest a great deal of energy in fruit production. For this reason, our yields increase gradually each year, always prioritising fruit quality.
A seasonal product with limited availability
Kumquat is a seasonal citrus fruit and therefore not available all year round. When there is stock available, it is the ideal moment to enjoy this wonderful citrus fruit at its best: fresh, firm and full of aroma.
Our organic kumquats are harvested directly from our fields in Valencia and shipped without intermediaries, ensuring they arrive at your home in optimal condition.
How Oranges and Mandarins Affect Your Body: What Science Reveals About Citrus Fruits
What Science Reveals About Citrus Fruits and Your Genes
Valencian citrus fruits are not only delicious — new research shows they can influence your body in surprising ways from the inside out.
At Quiero Naranjas, we’ve always believed that fresh, natural fruit supports good health. But a recent study from INCLIVA, FUVAMA, and the Universitat Politècnica de València reveals something remarkable:
👉 Eating citrus fruits can positively influence the activity of your genes.
If that sounds unbelievable, here’s a simple explanation.
🧬 What Did the Scientists Study?
The project examined how oranges and mandarins affect the body from a nutrigenomics perspective — the science of how food can switch genes “on” or “off.”
Animals were given oranges or mandarins, and researchers then examined several organs: the heart, brain, liver, kidneys…
The result: Citrus fruits changed the activity of many genes — almost like flipping tiny internal switches in the body.
🍊 Mandarins vs. Oranges — Which Has a Greater Effect?
Both fruits showed positive effects, but in this study:
⭐ Mandarins had a stronger impact — and in more organs.
Scientists believe natural compounds like flavonoids, known for their powerful antioxidant effects, may be responsible.
❤️ Benefits Observed in the Heart
better energy efficiency
stronger protection against oxidative stress
enhanced mitochondrial function
improved blood flow
In addition, animals consuming mandarins showed a reduction in TGF-β, a biomarker associated with inflammation and certain types of cancer.
🧠 Benefits Observed in the Brain
regulation of the circadian rhythm (sleep–wake cycle)
improved stress response
more balanced neuronal activity
This may help explain why many people feel better energy and improved mood when they regularly eat fresh fruit.
🌱 What Does This Mean for Your Health?
The study clearly shows:
Citrus fruits provide not only vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.
They also directly influence how your cells function.
They can improve the body’s reaction to stress and inflammation.
They support a healthier pattern of gene activity.
This gives scientific insight into why freshly harvested oranges and mandarins — especially those we pick daily in Valencia — can truly enhance your well-being.
🍃 A Clear Message: Fresh Fruit Matters
In a world full of processed foods, scientific research reminds us of something very simple:
👉 Natural fruit is one of the most powerful “supplements” you can eat. 👉 And citrus fruits are a natural pharmacy in themselves.
📝 Conclusion
Research is ongoing, but the current findings are promising: What we eat influences how our genes behave — and citrus fruits can activate beneficial processes in the body.
At Quiero Naranjas, we continue to offer fresh, organic, seasonal fruit, harvested daily and shipped directly from the farmer — so you enjoy not only the taste, but also the benefits science is beginning to understand more clearly.
Organic Mandarins from Valencia: Season Kick-Off 🍊 (ClemenRubí)
Autumn has arrived in Valencia – and with it comes the first harvest of organic mandarins. At QuieroNaranjas we open the season with ClemenRubí, a very early clementine that we start harvesting in October. Perfect for those waiting for the first “easy-to-peel” fruits of the year. Our family has been practicing organic farming for generations: no chemicals, harvested to order, and shipped straight from the field so that they reach you fresh and aromatic.
Clementines and Satsumas: two main groups of mandarins
Within the mandarin family there are two main groups:
Clementines (such as ClemenRubí, Oronules, Oroval, Clemenules): highly aromatic and sweet, tender segments, thin peel.
Satsumas (Okitsu, Owari…): usually flatter and larger, extremely easy to peel, with a milder flavor.
ClemenRubí is among the earliest varieties; after that come Oronules, Oroval, and Clemenules. (Source: IVIA)
Our first variety: ClemenRubí (October)
The first mandarin we harvest each season at QuieroNaranjas is ClemenRubí. It has a thin skin, intense aroma and excellent eating quality. We harvest at the optimal point of ripeness and ship directly, without artificial coloring or ripening chambers.
Why are some early mandarins deep orange, while others slightly green?
In citrus production it is common to use “degreening”: a post-harvest treatment with ethylene gas that accelerates the external color change when internal ripeness has already been reached. Scientific studies suggest it may affect certain sensory attributes. We prefer the natural way: if a mandarin has a slight greenish hue, it means freshness and authentic flavor.
Organic mandarins from Valencia: origin and quality
The Valencia region is a European benchmark for citrus. The official seal PGI Cítricos Valencianos guarantees origin and quality. According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, mandarins and oranges from Valencia are among Spain’s leading crops.
Healthy and practical: perfect for children
Mandarins are rich in vitamin C, provide provitamin A (carotenoids such as cryptoxanthin) and flavonoids. They are easy to peel, perfect for children, and a much healthier snack than processed desserts. A single serving contributes significantly to the daily intake of antioxidants.
When does the season start? In Valencia, the season begins in October with ClemenRubí and other early varieties; Clemenules and others follow in autumn and winter.
Why do some early mandarins look greenish? Because internal ripeness is reached earlier than external color. Many producers use “degreening”, but we prefer natural ripening.
Are mandarins good for kids? Yes: lots of vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids – and very easy to peel.
Organic Pomegranates from Valencia: the first harvest in September
QuieroNaranjas you can buy organic pomegranates directly from the farmer, freshly harvested and delivered straight to your home without cold storage.
Our season begins in September with the Aco Roja variety, a pomegranate very similar to the traditional Valencian variety, but with a deeper red color and a particularly sweet taste.
We grow our organic pomegranates in Valencia using environmentally friendly methods – without pesticides or wax – to guarantee the freshest and healthiest fruit for you.
Health benefits of organic pomegranates
High in antioxidants, which help slow down cell aging and protect the heart
Rich in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system and skin health.
Contain dietary fiber, which improves digestion.
Studies confirm their potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases and regulate blood pressure (NCBI – PubMed).
In short: when you buy organic pomegranates at QuieroNaranjas, you enjoy a sweet, juicy fruit with numerous health benefits.
Ways to enjoy pomegranates
Fresh: the arils are a perfect, healthy snack.
Fresh juice: pomegranate juice, freshly squeezed, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
In recipes: they add freshness and flavor contrast to salads, yogurts, desserts, or even savory dishes.
Pomegranate cultivation in Valencia
The Valencia region is one of the main pomegranate-producing areas in Spain.
Traditional varieties like Mollar de Elche and Valenciana are highly valued for their sweetness.
The Aco Roja variety we grow at QuieroNaranjas offers the same flavor quality but with a more attractive, deeper red color.
Recent research confirms that pomegranate cultivation adapts perfectly to the Mediterranean climate and allows sustainable methods such as controlled deficit irrigation (Plataforma Tierra – Cajamar).
Buy organic pomegranates at QuieroNaranjas
At QuieroNaranjas we continue to support this traditional crop, combined with modern organic farming practices.
This way, you receive pomegranates directly from our fields in Valencia, freshly harvested and full of natural flavor.
👉 If you are looking for quality, freshness, and sustainability, September is the perfect time to buy organic Aco Roja pomegranates at QuieroNaranjas – the first fruit of our new season.
